Welcome!

‘I believe everything starts with awareness. Opening up with curiosity towards your feelings and thoughts will allow you to understand, transform, and gradually heal.
This means all feelings are welcome, even the difficult ones. It can all teach you about yourself and whats really important to you’

Lihi Darnell, PhD

Counseling Psychologist.

Teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion

Greetings! I’m Lihi, a licensed counseling psychologist. I Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Sciences, a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology, my journey reflects a dedication to continuous learning and growth.

Professional Expertise:

My therapeutic approach is grounded in Person-centered Existential therapy, complemented by the integration of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Informed Mindfulness-Based Interventions. While Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) isn’t a form of therapy, I recognize its therapeutic impact and am passionate about integrating the skills and practices of self-compassion into counseling.

Experience and Specializations:

With extensive experience offering individual and group counseling services, I’ve worked with diverse populations, including teenagers, adults, and couples from various cultural backgrounds. My clientele includes expatriates, diplomats, aid workers, and individuals worldwide.

I hold a wealth of knowledge in diverse therapeutic modalities, enabling me to customize my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual. My training encompasses mindfulness and compassion-based therapies, Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), trauma recovery therapies, as well as nature and art therapies. With extensive experience, I specialize in addressing issues related to emotional regulation including anger management and impulse control, adhd regulation skills, addiction and codependency, burnout prevention and treatment with extensive experience in large scale humanitarian organizations, grief and loss, chronic pain and illness, life transitions, multicultural adjustment, resilience, somatic awareness, and trauma recovery, including dedicated work on childhood abuse and inner child healing.
[Click here for a list of detailed credential information.]

Skills Group Experiences:

I have amassed significant experience in leading skills group sessions and support groups for diverse populations. This includes specialized groups designed to assess and address the emotional and mental health challenges faced by frontline nurses during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare providers, mental health professionals, security personnel humanitarian aid workers, and individuals undergoing significant life transitions while working in hardship duty stations affected by political conflicts and natural disasters. This includes routinely delivering the program to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for over two years.

Mindful Self-Compassion Integration in Psychotherapy:

I take pride in being among the first to introduce and integrate the Mindful Self-Compassion course in Asia. In addition, as part of the Self-Compassion in Psychotherapy (SCiP) program by the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion (CMSC), I supported the program as a community forum manager during the 1st and 2nd cohorts offered to mental health professionals. In this role, I actively supported approximately 190 mental health professionals who participated in the program to integrate their practice of self-compassion into psychotherapy, through moderating online discussions and addressing queries.

Community Involvement:

Beyond my professional practice, I actively engage in volunteer work, offering consultations and workshops for parents, social activists, and healthcare providers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This outreach aims to serve vulnerable and disadvantaged communities, aligning with my belief in the transformative power of compassion and kindness for healing.

Lihi is committed to ongoing professional development and is devoted to her own self-developments, and is constantly learning about new approaches and ways to help her clients.

Lihi’s research interest:

Feedback from Client

Counseling2020
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I am doing much better now. And I think mostly it is because of you. The first time when I went to you I was very miserable and sad. If you had not guided me and supported me I don't think I would have been this strong. I am very strong now. I feel I have the strength to face the troubles that come in my life. Thank you so much for supporting me and listening to whatever I had to say. Talking to you made me feel a lot better. Thank you so much.
Counseling2020
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“I think the results from XXX's sessions with you are starting to kick in because everybody started to notice that she's been in a very good mood lately. Thank you!!"
Counseling2020
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“Dear Lihi,
It’s been exactly a year since our last session and today I celebrate a whole year that is insomnia free!
I’d like to thank you once again for helping me learn how to manage my sleep instead of letting the lack of sleep manage my life!
Thank you so much!”
Counseling2020
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“Dear Lihi, We are so glad that even after a long journey full of failed attempts with all kind of life coaches and alternative therapists, we finally reached out to you!!! We now understand XXX behavior better, and know how to manage our lives and live with it while taking care of our own needs, staying respectful and loving to all members of our family. We often talk about our sessions with you and how you helped us become a mindful and peaceful family! May you be well, healthy and happy! Thank you!!!”
Mindful Self-Compassion2020
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“The most significant part to me is that I feel I have made so much growth with this particular situation that I noticed the frustrating thing that happened but I immediately let it go. No elevated heart rate, no rise in body temp, no voices in my head going over it. I just let it be!…..I feel like I’m able to recognize moments of frustration or pain faster and I can take time immediately (even if it’s just a few minutes) to breathe, recognize and stop the negative talk in my head.”
— L. P.
Counseling
Counseling2021
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“Dear Lihi,
I am writing to you to let you know I am doing well, and to thank you for your support!

The past weeks since my regular sessions ended, turned out to be hectic and stressful in terms of work, but I was able to manage how I was feeling by practicing mindfulness using the simple tools you taught. This meant I didn't have any major outburst because I am able recognize when I am triggered before I felt out of control...."
Mindful Self-Compassion
Mindful Self-Compassion2022
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"Dear Lihi,
I am sorry for not connecting with you for such a long time. I am doing well, but do not really want to set the end of therapy sessions together. Perhaps we should talk about that when we meet again... I can hear you saying; "Worth the exploration" 🙂
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Counseling
Counseling2022
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"I am very thankful for your help and support to me: thank you so much for leading and guiding me through that terrible, terrible dark times with your professional knowledge,skills and most importantly your kindness and warmth.

Thank you for creating the important safe space where I can freely and comfortably let out all the fears, anger,confusion, worries and negative feelings inside.
It really means a lot to me.
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Contact

Your mental health matters and I'm here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth.
As your counsellor, I offer a safe and welcoming space where you can share your challenges and work towards a happier, healthier life.
Prioritize your well-being and take the first step and schedule your appointment with me today.

NOTE: All Contact requests are managed within 3 days.
We are unable to respond to emergencies

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Make sure you let me know your time-zone.